Body twist exercising apparatus with adjustable resistance

ABSTRACT

A body twist exercising apparatus having a variable resistance is developed, wherein the body twist exercising apparatus activates a mechanical switch to generate a resistance in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction. The body twist exercising apparatus further comprises a mechanically controlled switch to adjust the resistance against rotational motions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a body twist exercising apparatus having an adjustable variable resistance which is mechanically activated in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction.

2. Description of the Related Art

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

Today's lifestyle demands less mobility in daily activities. This has caused many complications such as abdominal fat, backache and many other pains and anatomical anomalies. To prevent the adverse effects, different solutions can be sought, one of which is home-based exercises, particularly when outdoor activities are not recommended especially in metropolitans due to air pollution. Among exercising equipment, some imitate our natural movements, which include treadmill that simulates walking or elliptical that simulates skiing. There are also other equipment that simulate biking, rowing and even horse riding at home. Some other equipment are not simulators of natural movements but are made based on technology and knowledge of human anatomy. Many of these equipment are designed to provide body movement in a limited space (e.g. small apartments, inside an airplane cabin, etc.).

Muscle builder and lipotropic rotating device (also known as body twist exercising apparatus) is a medical-sports equipment that has a resistance adjustable rotatory disc (looseness and tightness) using mechanical methods in proportion to bodily force of the user and creating resistance to rotation thus causing pressure to muscles and strengthening them and/or burning fat. Conventionally, these rotating devices provided a smooth and frictionless body movement without any adjustable resistance against body motions, therefore, body movement during the workout does not contribute to muscle building and/or fat burning.

Conventional models of the lipotropic rotating devices uses a ball or a disc as a rotatory part to provide a twist to a body. Although rotational strain to a human body causes a relaxed feeling in the lower part of the body, most of these devices were not capable of muscle building and/or fat burning, because the rotatory part (either discs and/or ball-bearings) did not generate a resistance against rotational motions, thus providing a smooth rotation. However, such smoothness could have been harmful for the human body, because it could cause an excessively twist on spinal cord and damage it. Furthermore, these devices did not facilitate the muscle making and fat burning mechanisms.

In view of the forgoing, one objective of the present invention is to develop a body twist exercising apparatus having an adjustable variable resistance which is mechanically activated in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect the present disclosure relates to a body twist exercising apparatus, involving, i) a base with a flat surface, ii) a rotatory part comprising, a) a stationary wheel having a first surface area, b) an elliptical rotatory wheel having a second surface area which is lower than the first surface area, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is attached parallel and concentric to the stationary wheel such that an overlapping section, a non-overlapping section, and a gap between the parallel wheels formed, c) a bobbin which is secured in the non-overlapping section of the stationary wheel, d) a rubber pad which is secured in place with the bobbin, wherein the rotatory part is mounted on the base, and wherein the rubber pad freely rotates, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is configured to rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a guardrail which is secured on the base.

In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in only clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in only counter-clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a handgrip which is mounted on the guardrail.

In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a switch which is mounted on the guardrail, and a pulley which is connected to the bobbin with a cord from a first end and is connected to the switch with the cord from a second end.

In one embodiment, a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch.

In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in only clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in only counter-clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the body twist exercising apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates the body twist exercising apparatus from a side view.

FIG. 2A illustrates the rotatory part where a user stands.

FIG. 2B illustrates the components of the rotatory part in a perspective view.

FIG. 2C illustrates the components of the rotatory part from a top view.

FIG. 2D illustrates the stationary wheel and its components.

FIG. 2E illustrates the elliptical rotatory wheel and its components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

According to a first aspect the present disclosure relates to a body twist exercising apparatus 101 involving a base 102. The body twist exercising apparatus as used herein refers to an exercising apparatus that has an adjustable resistance against body twisting motions which is provided by a rotatory disc that can be loosened or tightened through mechanical, electrical, and/or magnetic methods, thus create strain to muscles and also promote fat burning mechanisms.

The base 102 may refer to a solid platform, wherein the body twist exercising apparatus 101 is mounted on and fastened. The base 102 may have a rectilinear cross section, or preferably a rectangular cross section. In one preferred embodiment, the base 102 has a rounded cross section. Exemplary rounded cross sections include, but are not limited to circular, and elliptical. In one embodiment, the base has a rectangular cross section, wherein each side has a length in the range of 5-200 cm, or preferably 10-100 cm, or preferably 10-30 cm, wherein the thickness of the base is in the range of 5-2000 mm, or preferably 10-500 mm, or preferably 20-100 mm, or preferably 20-50 mm. In one embodiment, the base has a circular cross section, wherein diameter of the circular cross section is in the range of 5-200 cm, or preferably 10-100 cm, or preferably 10-50 cm, or preferably 10-30 cm, while the thickness of the base is in the range of 5-2000 mm, or preferably 10-500 mm, or preferably 20-100 mm, or preferably 20-50 mm.

In one embodiment, the base 102 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a rock (e.g. granite or marble), a metal, an alloy, a composite, a wood, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the base has a mass in the range of 10-2000 kg, or preferably 100-1000 kg, or preferably 100-500 kg.

The body twist exercising apparatus further involves a guardrail 103 which is mounted and fixed on the base 102. The guardrail is a security feature which refers to a scaffold designed to keep a rider (i.e. a person who uses the body twist exercising apparatus) from falling down. The guardrail 103 may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a plastic or any combination thereof. The guardrail 103 may be used to keep the rider from slipping off or falling down the body twist exercising apparatus. The guardrail 103 may be attached to the base 102 by welding, or by using screws, or bolts and nuts etc.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a handgrip which is mounted on the guardrail 103. The handgrip may be used by the rider to tightly grip the guardrail 103. The handgrip may be made of a foamed fabric or a sponge-like material.

The body twist exercising apparatus 101 further involves a rotatory part 104 which is mounted and secured on the base 102. The rotatory part 104 may be a circular disc with a diameter in the range of 15-50 cm, or preferably 20-40 cm, or preferably 20-30 cm. The rotatory part 104 may have a thickness in the range of 5-100 mm, or preferably 10-50 mm, or preferably 20-40 mm. The rotatory part 104 comprises a stationary wheel 201, an elliptical rotatory wheel 202, a rubber pad 204, and a bobbin 205.

The stationary wheel 201 refers to a component in the rotatory part 104 which is not movable. The stationary wheel 201 is a lower disc in the rotatory part 104. The stationary wheel 201 may be a circular wheel having a diameter in the range of 10-60 cm, or preferably 20-50 cm, or preferably 30-50 cm, and a thickness in the range of 0.5-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The stationary wheel 201 may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, and an alloy. In one embodiment the stationary wheel 201 may be an elliptical wheel.

The stationary wheel further comprises a metal belt which is secured on the perimeter of the stationary wheel 201. In on embodiment, the metal belt may be soldered or welded from a lateral side to the stationary wheel 201.

The elliptical rotatory wheel 202 refers to a movable component of the rotatory part 104, which is an upper disc in the rotatory part 104. The elliptical rotatory wheel 202 may have an elliptical geometry having a smaller diameter in the range of 10-30 cm, or preferably 15-30 cm, or preferably 15-20 cm, a larger diameter in the range of 10-60 cm, or preferably 20-50 cm, or preferably 30-50 cm, and a thickness in the range of 0.5-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The elliptical rotatory wheel 202 may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, and an alloy.

In one embodiment, the stationary wheel 201 has a first surface area and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 has a second surface area which is lower than the first surface area.

In one embodiment, the stationary wheel 201 and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 are attached to one another such that the stationary wheel and the elliptical rotatory wheel are concentric and parallel located within a distance from one another. According to this embodiment, an overlapping section and a non-overlapping section is formed. The overlapping section as used herein refers to a portion of the first surface area which is overlapped with the second surface area at any given moment when the elliptical rotatory wheel is at stationary state. Accordingly, the non-overlapping section refers to a portion of the first surface area which is not overlapped with the second surface area at any given moment when the elliptical rotatory wheel is at stationary state.

In one embodiment, a spacer is located in the distance between the stationary wheel 201 and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202. The spacer may be a metal belt 209 which may be soldered or welded from a lateral side to the elliptical rotatory wheel 202.

, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is attached parallel and concentric to the stationary wheel such that,

In one embodiment, the spacer is attached to one of the stationary wheel 201 and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202. In one embodiment, the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 is a circular disc and substantially similar to the stationary wheel 201, wherein the metal belt 209 is attached to the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 in an elliptical shape.

The stationary wheel 201 and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 are attached to each other from a concentric center with a shaft 203, wherein the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 is freely rotating relative to the stationary wheel 201. Freely rotating as used herein may refer to a rotation wherein friction against rotation is less than 50 N, or less than 40 N, or less than 30 N, or less than 20 N, or less than 10 N, or less than 5 N, or less than 1 N. The shaft 203 may be a metal rod with a diameter in the range of 1-20 mm, or preferably 1-10 mm, or preferably 1-5 mm. In one embodiment, the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 freely rotates in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

The rotatory part 104 further involves a rubber pad 204 which is located in a gap 206 between the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 and the stationary wheel 201. In one embodiment, the rubber pad 204 is a disc with a circular cross-section having a diameter in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, and a thickness in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm. In one embodiment, the rubber pad 204 is a sphere having a diameter in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm. The rubber pad 204 may be made a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, chloroprene, ethylene propylene, silicone, fluorosilicone, natural rubber, butyl, hypalon, polyurethane, urethane, fluorocarbon, acetal, nylatron, nylon, phenolic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and kapton, or any combination thereof. The rubber pad 204 may be squeezable (i.e. the rubber pad deforms and its dimensions change under stress). In one embodiment, the rubber pad is a disc, wherein the diameter is in the range of 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, or preferably 1-8 cm in a squeezed mode. In one embodiment, the rubber pad 204 is a sphere, wherein the diameter is in the range of 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, or preferably 1-8 cm in a squeezed mode.

In one embodiment, the rubber pad 204 freely rotates in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. In one embodiment, the gap 206 gets smaller by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad 204 to squeeze and to create a resistance against rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. Accordingly, the gap 206 gets larger by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 in a clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad 204 to expand and thus resulting a free rotation in the clockwise direction. In another embodiment, the gap 206 gets smaller by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 in a clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad 204 to squeeze and to create a resistance against rotation in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, the gap 206 gets larger by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel 202 in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad 204 to expand and thus resulting a free rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. In one embodiment, two rubber pads are mounted in the gaps 206 between the stationary wheel 201 and the elliptical rotatory wheel 202, wherein the two rubber pads create resistance against rotation in both the clockwise and the counter-clockwise directions.

The rubber pad 204 may have a hole at the center of the rubber pad 204. The hole may be circular having a diameter in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm, relative to the diameter of the rubber pad 204 which is in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm. In one embodiment, the rubber pad 204 is fixed in place with the bobbin 205, wherein the rubber pad 204 freely rotates around the center when fixed with the bobbin 205. The bobbin 205 refers to a rod which is attached to the stationary wheel 201. The rod may be made of wood, plastic, composite, metal, alloy, or any combination thereof. The rod may be cylindrical having a diameter in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm, relative to the diameter of the hole which is in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The rod may have a length in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm, relative to the thickness of the rubber pad 204 which is in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm. In one embodiment, the rotatory part 104 further involves two dices 207 to protect and fasten the bobbin 205 in place, wherein the bobbin 205 can slide in a notched space between the two dices 207. The bobbin 205 in this embodiment, may be called a moveable bobbin 208. The dices 207 may be made of metal or alloy, and are attached to the stationary wheel 201 through soldering, welding, screws, and/or bolts and nuts etc.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a pulley 105 which is attached to the base 102. In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a switch 107 which is mounted on the guardrail 103. In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a cord 106, wherein a first end of the cord is connected to the switch 107, and a second end of the cord is connected to the moveable bobbin 208 through the pulley 105. The switch 107 may have a knob through which a looseness of tightness of the cord 106 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the cord 106 is pulled by turning the knob on the switch 107, causing the bobbin 205 to be pulled, which is further leading the rubber pad 204 to touch the metal belt 209, which is secured on the perimeter of the stationary wheel 201, thus creating a resistance. In one embodiment, the resistance is adjusted by turning the knob on the switch 107 to the left or to the right.

The cord 106 may be a cable, a wire rope, or a metal rope. The switch 107 may be a gauge having a cylindrical shape, wherein the knob is turning in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. In one embodiment, the switch 107 may be a rectangular box with the knob attached to it, wherein the knob is loosening or tightening the cord 106 by pushing and pulling.

In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotational motion in a clockwise direction using the switch 107, the cord 106, the pulley 105, and the movable bobbin 208. In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotational motion in a counter-clockwise direction using the switch 107, the cord 106, the pulley 105, and the movable bobbin 208. In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotation in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions using the switch 107, the cord 106, the pulley 105, and the movable bobbin 208.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The examples below are intended to further illustrate design protocols of the body twist exercising apparatus and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

EXAMPLE 1

The body twist exercising apparatus can be used to perform exercises ranging from professional to light ones for lipotropic purposes and for muscle making. It also can be used for relaxation in home and office when used in low gears. An example of the said apparatus is made of metal which includes the following parts: 1) two iron discs, 2) a holding rod, 3) a variable resistances, 4) iron lateral guardrail with high resistance as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2E.

EXAMPLE 2

The device is made of two discs placed on one another forming a concentric disc as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2E. The system is like a system of two discs and a breaking pad that creates stationary state and resistance, with amount of such resistance being adjusted based on bodily and muscular force of the user through the device placed in front part of the machine. Resistance is created by a rubber wheel (as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C) that moves on a metal belt. The wheel and its rubber are made of sticky materials, thus they stick to the metal belt fully, and the belt is formed so that its forward movement requires pressure from the user while it easily turns back without requiring the least push when returning. This is generated through a combination of the mechanism of the wheel and the form of the belt, which constitutes the technology of this device. Further, to create additional resistance against movement, a mechanical device such as wire rope, spring or even an electric engine and battery can be used, which could elevate the resistance by increasing the friction between the wheel and the belt.

EXAMPLE 3

Rotatory disc on which the user stands. Holding the body of machine by their hands firmly and keeping their upper body stable, the user can turn the lower body to the left or the right. Here, an adjustable resistance performs the tasks of adjusting the rotary force through the accessories of the invented machine and via a concentric axis and pressure-adjustment device that is connected to the axes of fixed and rotatory discs through the wheel, wire rope and a pulley (shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B). The machine also comprises the handgrips. This apparatus is designed such that it creates resistance against rotational motion in one direction (i.e. the apparatus returns to the original state without resistance). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A body twist exercising apparatus, comprising: a base with a flat surface; a rotatory part, comprising: a stationary wheel having a first surface area, an elliptical rotatory wheel having a second surface area which is smaller than the first surface area, and the elliptical rotatory wheel being attached parallel and concentric to the stationary wheel such that an overlapping section and a non-overlapping section form, and a gap between the parallel wheels formed; a bobbin located in the non-overlapping section of the stationary wheel; and a rubber pad secured in place with the bobbin, wherein the rotatory part is mounted on the base, and wherein the rubber pad freely rotates, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is configured to rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guardrail which is secured on the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus creates a rotational resistance only in clockwise direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus creates a rotational resistance only in counter-clockwise direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus creates a rotational resistance in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a handgrip which is mounted on the guardrail.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a switch which is mounted on the guardrail; and a pulley which is connected to the bobbin via a cord from a first end while concurrently connected to the switch via the cord from a second end.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch only in clockwise direction.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch only in counter-clockwise direction.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 